Jo Sheridan is Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year
Waikato farmer, and Owl Farm demonstration manager, Jo Sheridan is the 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
MARCH ESTIMATES for New Zealand milk flows are for a double-digit percentage increase over the prior year when the drought had taken a firm grip, says Rabobank.
For the season, milk flow continues at about 6% ahead of the prior season to date despite dry conditions emerging in some regions, the bank says in its Agribusiness Monthly for Australia and New Zealand.
Globally milk supply from the main exporting nations also continues to pick up pace, says Rabobank.
"Producers in most regions are beginning to see the benefit of improved farmgate milk prices, lower purchased feed costs and mostly good climate conditions," the report says.
"Attention over the next few months will be on the strength of the Northern Hemisphere seasonal peak as it will play a key determinant in the market balance.
"Right now the global dairy commodity market remains firm and in many regions inventory levels are tight. The market continues to remain well supported by ongoing strong Chinese purchasing."
Rabobank says in New Zealand the added incentive for higher production came Fonterra increased the forecast 2013/14 milk price by NZ 35c/kgMS to $8.65/kgMS.
"Processors will now be looking to the end of season and the need to balance ongoing customer requirements through June and July when milk flows largely cease," it says.
Australian milk production is up 3.1% in the season to date, with improving seasonal conditions allowing producers to begin to make up the lost ground through the first half of the season.
The 2025 game bird season is underway with Hawke’s Bay and Southland reporting the ideal weather conditions for hunters – rain and wind.
A group of meat processing companies, directors and managers have been fined a total of $1.6 million for deliberately and illegally altering exported tallow for profit.
New Zealand’s top cheeses for 2025 have been announced and family-owned, Oamaru-based Whitestone Cheese is the big winner.
Waikato farmer, and Owl Farm demonstration manager, Jo Sheridan is the 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
New Zealand’s special agricultural trade envoy Hamish Marr believes the outlook for the dairy sector remains strong.
Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) awards.